As Mang Rene blew out the candles on his cake, surrounded by the people he loved, he knew that he had found a second family with the Kalibugans. And as he got back behind the wheel, ready to drive them on their next adventure, he smiled, knowing that he was more than just a driver - he was part of the family.
The Santos family, for instance, looks forward to Rogel's daily stories about his family's adventures. "Rogel's stories are always entertaining," says Mrs. Santos, the matriarch of the family. "He has a way of making us laugh, even on the most stressful of days. We've become like a second family to him." kwentong kalibugan family driver
Rogel, a 45-year-old family driver with over 15 years of experience, has seen it all. He has worked for several families, transporting them to various parts of Metro Manila and beyond. His current employer, the Santos family, has been his longest stint, with over 10 years of service. As Mang Rene blew out the candles on
Their role is multifaceted. Not only are they responsible for driving, but they also act as guardians, storytellers, and sometimes even as educators. For many children, family drivers are their window to the world outside their homes, sharing stories of far-off lands, teaching them about the importance of road safety, and instilling in them a sense of adventure. "Rogel's stories are always entertaining," says Mrs
For Rogel, storytelling is an essential part of his job. "I like to think that I'm not just a driver, but a companion to my employer's family," he says. "I share stories about my own life, my wife and kids, and my experiences on the road. It helps to build a connection with them, and it makes the long drives more enjoyable."
A typical day for a kwentong kalibugan family driver begins early, often before the crack of dawn. They arrive at their employer's residence, don their uniform, and prepare for another long day of driving. The first task of the day is usually to fetch the family members from their homes, transporting them to school, work, or other destinations.
One of Mang Rene's most memorable experiences with the Kalibugans was when he drove them on a family vacation to Tagaytay. It was a long and tiring trip, but Mang Rene's expert driving and witty banter kept everyone's spirits high. When they finally arrived, exhausted but exhilarated, Senor Kalibugan turned to Mang Rene and said, "Rene, you're more than just a driver. You're a part of our family."